Get organised with our essential packing list.
Whether you plan to ski, hike or lie by the pool, figuring out what to take on holiday can be a challenge. With our travel essentials packing list, you can be sure that you don’t forget a thing. Plus, we’ve got some insider holiday packing tips to maximise your space and make your trip as smooth as possible.
What to pack for holiday: Travel essentials
Don’t forget anything on this holiday packing list
Tick these travel essentials off the list as you go and check out our holiday packing tips to help you along the way:
| Passport Visa | Check your passport is valid before you go. When travelling in the European Union you must ensure that your passport is valid up to your return date. For global travel destinations, passport validity requirements may vary, so be sure to check with the embassy of the country you’re travelling to before your trip. If you’re travelling to the United States you must have an electronic passport (issued since 2006). Save your passport and visa details on your phone and print out copies of both to take with you. |
| Travel insurance documents | Make sure your travel insurance is in date and covers the country you’re visiting, and the activities you plan on doing. Bungee jumping on the agenda? You may want to check if you’re covered for ‘extreme’ sports. |
| Boarding pass/ Tickets | Whether you’re going by plane or train, it’s best to print it all out or load it as PDFs on your phone (we’d advise doing both in case you run out of phone charge or can’t connect to Wi-Fi). Check with your airline whether you have to check-in online before you arrive at the airport. |
| Currency/ Cards | Even if you’re planning on using your card abroad it’s always a good idea to keep some currency and change among your travel essentials for cash-only situations, like your first taxi trip from the airport. It’s best to let the bank know if you’re travelling abroad, too, and for how long. |
| Emergency contact | No matter how many people you’re travelling with, make sure you have contact details for someone back at home in case disaster strikes. Keep a copy in your suitcase and your hand luggage in case you get separated from either. |
| Devices | No doubt you’ll have your phone on you at all times, but don’t forget to put your camera on your holiday packing list if you have one, a tablet or kindle for the journey and headphones, too. |
| Chargers | Forgetting your phone or laptop charger can be a nightmare. You can pick up one at the airport but they can be pricey! |
| First aid kit | Plasters, insect repellent, painkillers, wipes and antibacterial hand gel can all be considered travel essentials because you never know when you might need them. |
| Medication | Make sure you get any prescribed medication before you travel and that it’s enough to last for longer than your planned trip, in case you find yourself delayed or stuck abroad for longer than expected. |
| Glasses/ Contact lenses | Make sure to pack extra pairs of contact lenses and spare glasses if you have them. And don’t forget any prescription sunglasses. |
| House keys | We have a feeling you’ll be wanting these at the end of your trip. |
What else do I need on my packing list?
Example: 1-week holiday packing list
Now you’ve got the essentials, we’re guessing you’ll want some clothes, shoes and a few other luxuries to go with them. But you’ll need to be mindful of the weight to avoid costly excess baggage fees for taking too much.
For a one-week holiday, we’d suggest packing the following amount of clothes, toiletries and extras, if you have space.
1 x jacket or coat (depending on the temperature — check the weather forecast before you pack)
6–7 tops (for daytime and evening)
2–3 pairs of shorts/trousers/skirts/dresses
1 pair of pyjamas
7–8 pairs of underwear (plus 1–2 bras)
7–8 pairs of socks (if you’re not wearing sandals or flip flops all the time)
Toothbrush and toothpaste (plus floss and mouthwash, if needed)
Deodorant
Moisturiser
Soap
Body wash
Shampoo and conditioner (go for a 2-in-1 to save on space)
Brush or comb
Contact lenses and solution, plus glasses
Make up and make-up remover
Small pair of scissors or nail clippers
Sunscreen (plus lip balm with SPF)
After sun
Sunglasses
Hat or visor
Insect repellent
Bag or rucksack to transport all your beach gear
Small bag to keep valuable travel essentials safe and separate from wet or sandy towels
Flip flops or lightweight sandals
Swimwear
Travel towel — look out for a towel made from micro-fibre that is lightweight and dries quickly
Essential packing for winter ski holidays
Just when you think you’ve got the packing list down, you decide to take on a new kind of holiday. You may need a lot of the same things wherever you’re off to, but if you’re planning to hit the slopes you’ll need a few extra (warm) travel essentials. Don’t forget to check that your travel insurance covers snow sports, too.
Clothing and accessories for a 1-week winter holiday :
- 3 x thermal tops
- 3 x thermal leggings
- 2 x fleeces/jumpers
- Waterproof ski jacket
- Waterproof trousers/salopettes
- 4 x pairs of ski socks
- Underwear
- Swimwear (if needed)
- Comfortable clothes — think warm layers
- Shoes with a good grip — snow or hiking boots are a good investment. Save space in your case by wearing them on the plane
- Ski gloves (plus thermal gloves if you get super cold)
- Neck warmer (ditch the chunky scarf)
- Ski goggles
- Sunglasses with UV lenses
- Helmet (if not available for hire)
- Hat
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm — don’t be fooled by the snowy scenes. You’re spending all day, every day outside
- Small rucksack for when you’re on the slopes — with a water bottle and emergency contact details inside
Essential packing for the great outdoors
If you’re jetting off somewhere less snowy but just as active, your packing list will change all over again. Swap the thermals for more lightweight clothing, keep your toiletries to a minimum. If you’re planning any overnight treks, then a sleeping bag, mat and tent are travel essentials. Add these items to your packing list depending on what your activities are.
Clothing and accessories for a 1-week adventure:
- Waterproof jacket
- Walking boots or shoes — wear these in before you travel to avoid blisters
- 4 x pairs of hiking socks
- 2 x pairs of lightweight walking trousers
- 1 x waterproof trousers
- 6–7 short-sleeve, mid-length and long-sleeve lightweight tops
- 1 x fleece
- Water shoes — if you’re planning on doing a lot of canoeing and kayaking
- Dry bag — to keep your belongings dry, no matter how wet you get
- Waterproof rucksack cover
- Torch
- Portable charger
- Insect repellent
- Water bottle
- Medical kit — with a more active holiday you may want to increase your supplies. For extreme hikes, make sure you’ve got altitude sickness tablets on hand and do your research before setting off
Essential travel packing tips and hacks
Now you know what you’re taking, and it’s all laid out next to your suitcase, what’s the best way to pack to save space?
Start by placing shoes at the bottom so dirt doesn’t transfer to your clothes. (You could even place them in plastic bags which will come in handy for laundry while you’re away.) Fold or roll your tops so they’re thin and compact and can fit into small spaces. And put your underwear in a mesh compartment or side pocket. For your accessories, why not get creative and re-use an envelope or place them in one of the handbags you’re already taking with you.
Read our top four holiday packing tips on how to pack your bags like a pro:
- Watch your valuables: Keep any expensive items or treasured possessions in your hand luggage so they’re always in sight. If you’re taking a lot of currency with you, split it between your suitcase and your hand luggage.
- Roll, don’t fold: Rolling your clothes is a tried-and-tested packing method which takes up less space, and it means you won’t spend the whole holiday ironing your clothes.
- Pack a spare: Make sure you’ve got a spare change of clothes in your hand luggage just in case your luggage goes missing. You don’t want to be stranded at an airport in only the clothes on your back.
- Use packing cubes: Make packing and unpacking easy with a set of these. In a normal set, you’ll get a variety of sizes and shapes so they fit neatly into your suitcase.
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